Mara Yamauchi Pulls Out Of The London Marathon

Mara Yamauchi has pulled out of the Virgin London Marathon. Photo: PhotoRun.net

Mara Yamauchi has pulled out of the Virgin London Marathon. Photo: PhotoRun.net

A hamstring injury sidelines one of Great Britain’s fastest marathoners.

According to the Virgin London Marathon organizers, British Olympic hopeful Mara Yamauchi has withdrawn from the race. Yamauchi had hoped to use that race to gain an Olympic ‘A” standard (2:31). She apparently suffered a hamstring injury in training.

“It is a hugely disappointing to lose Mara from this year’s race,” said London race director, Dave Bedford. “Many in Britain were hoping to see her up with the medallists again, as she was two years ago. It is a bitter blow for her but we understand she needs to recover fully from this injury and prepare as well as possible for the Olympics next year.”

Yamauchi put forth a lackluster performance at last year’s ING New York City Marathon. However, she is the second-fastest female marathoner in Great Britain. Yamauchi owns a 2:25 marathon PR, which was set in the 2008 at the Osaka Marathon. Last year, she won the New York City Half Marathon, setting an 18-second course record there.